I have a question. I droped a mercury thermometer and it broke in half, about half way up the shaft, but the bulb didn't break, and it didn't look like any had fallen out. Every source I have consulted said to clean up the spilled mercury, but I couldn't find any (it broke on linoleum, there are some disorganized papers around where it broke). Once the thermometer was safely contained in a bottle in 2 ziplock bags, I shook the bejeebus out of it, the bulb broke, and a good amount of mercury (relative to the size of the thermometer) apeared in the bottle. So my question is, should I tear apart the room looking for mercury, or assume that none was lost in the room.
Basicly what I'm asking is, will searching for mercury be productive, or a wild goose chase that will just expose me to any microscopic droplets that might be there?
Uh...
I'd search with gloves on and maybe just wipe everything with a papertowel... if you notice the towel absorb any wetness, wash it thoroughly such that your dogs can't lick it up or anything.
Are you sure it was a mercury thermometer? Very few of those are created today, as alcohol thermometers are just as effective without the danger.
usually there's ridiculously little mercury in a thermometer. Also, I don't think it is that problematic to your health, especially in minute quantities. But giving your floor a wipe would be a good idea. I don't think mercury would remain anywhere else (like on the sides of cupboards) because it's so heavy and slippery (quicksilver is really cool).
Do that and don't worry about it anymore.
Yeah, the fear of mercury is pretty overblown. It's a bit dangerous, but a little bit isn't going to KILL YOU DEAD INSTANTLY. It's long-term exposure that's dangerous.
Liquid mercury is not that dangerous, but if you leave it lying about it will slowly evaporate and you could end up breathing a lot of much more dangerous mercury vapor. This is why cleaning up spillages is important.
use a vacuum cleaner?
i have toched liquid mercury when i was a kid. hell, i even played with the "funny water-metal thingy" and as you can see i'm alive.
as long as you don't eat it or don't bath in it your not gonna die.
well it's a good excuse to clean up the place for sure.